Swindon Shuffle 2026: 20th festival opens with two more years of UKRI backing

Monday 7 September 2026 was the scheduled first day of the Swindon Shuffle, the free grassroots music festival now in its 20th year. It was due to run until Sunday 13 September at nine venues across the town, Swindon24 reported on Wednesday 2 September 2026. This account is taken from that report, published before the festival.

The sponsorship

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national research and innovation funder based in Swindon, agreed to remain headline sponsor of the Shuffle and its winter sister event, Swinterfest, for another two years. Organisers said the deal helps keep Shuffle events free and gives more young and emerging Swindon musicians a stage.

Ed Dyer, chair of the Shuffle's volunteer committee, said: "For UKRI to commit for the next 2 years is amazing."

Professor Sir Ian Chapman, UKRI's Chief Executive, said: "As a Swindon-based employer, UKRI is proud to support Swindon Shuffle and Swinterfest."

Who was on the bill?

Modern Evils, Concrete Prairie and I See Orange were among the acts named.

The charity link

The Shuffle and Swinterfest raise money for Prospect Hospice. UKRI recently presented the hospice with a £10,000 cheque from fundraising linked to the 2025 Shuffle and 2026 Swinterfest. Jeremy Lune, the hospice's CEO, said: "Every penny and pound that you gave has helped us in being able to open 3 more beds on our inpatient unit this year".

Source: Swindon24.